Had to put her down

[finallyME]

Yesterday my dog was crying and crying and crying like she was in a lot of pain. Her stomach was also bloated. We took her to the vet and got the bad news that her stomach turned. It would take surgery, and the chances of that even working were very small. I opted to put her out of her pain. I didn't think I would get as emotional as I did. She will be missed.

[hunter63]

Aw, man, really sorry to hear that.....But I'm sure you did the right thing....many people keep pets alive to them....not the pet.
If they are in that much pain, and chances are slim....it's time.

Time will heal....but it is tough......sorry.

[Logarius]

I am so sorry. Mine are family members too. All dogs do go to heaven.

[crashdive123]

Sorry for your loss. I too think you made the right decision.

[tundrabadger]

I'm really sorry to hear that My sincere condolences. I know it doesn't help right now, but that was the kindest thing to do.

[Graf]

So sorry for your loss, I prefer four legged friends more than 2 legged. Never easy but memorys live on forever!

[welderguy]

Sorry for your loss!

[Highhawk1948]

I have felt your pain. My thoughts are with you.

[DomC]

You did the right thing although you may not believe it. Hang in there...pets are family. Please accept my condolences

DomC

[Winnie]

It's a tough decision to, sorry you had to make it.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Sorry for your loss FM. I know how you feel it has taken me 13 yrs to finally replace my GSD after a similar experience. I knew horses could "twist a gut", but I didn't know of it in dogs.

[BENESSE]

That's an awful experience, so sorry for your loss. I still mourn for my cat 3 years later even with a new one at home. They are like children.

[LowKey]

Sorry for your loss.
I had never heard of this in dogs either. Posting it here may save a life someday.

[BornthatWay]

So sorry for your loss. I too have had to make that decision more times than I care to remember but we have to do what is best for our fur family members. It is true time helps but they live on in our hearts.

[Sunset Sam]

I also am very sad to hear about your loss, finallyME. The problem of gastric torsion/bloat is very acute when it happens and even immediate, heroic veterinary intervention is usually unsuccessful. Thus I agree you made the right decision, especially since the post-surgery effects are nearly as painful as the original condition, with less than a 50/50 chance of ultimate success. To observe a dog in the acute distress of bloat will indeed break your heart. It is very unlikely that this was your fault or that you could have changed the outcome.

For those new to this problem, the causes of gastric torsion in dogs are not well understood in the veterinary field (barring recent discoveries of which I am not aware), but the condition is not uncommon. The risk seems to be greater for large breeds (e.g., St Bernards, Great Danes) and very active breeds (e.g., German shepherds, retrievers), although no breed is known to be “immune” from it. This condition can happen to a dog which is otherwise in perfect health and there is no external symptomatology by which it can be diagnosed by the owner until the problem is already very grave. Symptoms include acutely distended stomach, extreme pain, and unsuccessful attempts to regurgitate or defecate.
If you suspect an animal has gastric torsion/bloat, it is a "drop everything" situation. Call the vet and describe the problem as "possible bloat" and get moving. The vet will (should) clear everything and be prepping for possible surgery while you are on your way to the office.

Proactive steps to decrease the chances of the condition involve feeding in small portions several times during the day as opposed to one big meal, and waiting an hour after eating before engaging in strenuous activity (like what our mothers used to say about swimming in the lake after lunch). This can be easier said than done, depending on the particular dog.

[1stimestar]

Oh so sorry to hear that FM. So sad. Yes, it's fairly common in sled dogs, mostly running them too soon after eating. Sad, sad, day.

[tundrabadger]

I also am very sad to hear about your loss, finallyME. The problem of gastric torsion/bloat is very acute when it happens and even immediate, heroic veterinary intervention is usually unsuccessful. Thus I agree you made the right decision, especially since the post-surgery effects are nearly as painful as the original condition, with less than a 50/50 chance of ultimate success. To observe a dog in the acute distress of bloat will indeed break your heart. It is very unlikely that this was your fault or that you could have changed the outcome.

For those new to this problem, the causes of gastric torsion in dogs are not well understood in the veterinary field (barring recent discoveries of which I am not aware), but the condition is not uncommon. The risk seems to be greater for large breeds (e.g., St Bernards, Great Danes) and very active breeds (e.g., German shepherds, retrievers), although no breed is known to be “immune” from it. This condition can happen to a dog which is otherwise in perfect health and there is no external symptomatology by which it can be diagnosed by the owner until the problem is already very grave. Symptoms include acutely distended stomach, extreme pain, and unsuccessful attempts to regurgitate or defecate.
If you suspect an animal has gastric torsion/bloat, it is a "drop everything" situation. Call the vet and describe the problem as "possible bloat" and get moving. The vet will (should) clear everything and be prepping for possible surgery while you are on your way to the office.

Proactive steps to decrease the chances of the condition involve feeding in small portions several times during the day as opposed to one big meal, and waiting an hour after eating before engaging in strenuous activity (like what our mothers used to say about swimming in the lake after lunch). This can be easier said than done, depending on the particular dog.

Good information, thanks....bloat took the dog I had in high school. I've always been concerned I would see it happen again. Upside, he was about 12 at the time, which isn't bad for a golden, but still. Next time I have a large breed, hopefully I will be able to do the small portions and so forth.

[LowKey]

I have a cat that gorges (with cats, they just get fat) and found that getting one of those Slow Feeder bowls that has the raised "fingers" in the middle makes him slow down. They have those for dogs too. All the three dogs I've lived with over the years were small but I'm wondering if this is what killed my friend's big Bouvier.

[cabingal4]

i am so sorry about your dog.

[Solar Geek]

So very very sorry for your loss. Sunset Sam thanks for info.